Aerojet has wrapped up ground tests on a new missile whose thrust depends solely on the load it's pushing. The flight-weight controllable thrust motor completed testing this week at its plant in Sacramento, (CA). The company says its motor passed with flying colors. Next step: flight testing.

One Motor: Many Missiles

The motor is a "stand alone" system, including flight-weight controller electronics, a rechargeable battery, and simulated missile power loads. The test culminated in a successful static firing for 75 seconds with a demonstrated throttling ratio of 20:1. The controllable thrust motor provides any level of thrust, at any time, within the range of capability, for tactical missile applications.

Shakedown

Before the test, the motor passed vibration testing, temperature cycling, and was temperature conditioned to the lowest level of its operating range.

"The completion of these six successful flight motor tests -- at all of the specified extreme temperature conditions -- gives us the confidence our flights tests will be successful as well. ," said Glen Sutton, program manager for Raytheon's NetFires Precision Attack Missile (PAM). Flight testing is scheduled to begin next month.

"The advancement of controllable thrust technology allows for one motor to support multiple missions and the success of the final ground test means this is ready for application," said Aerojet Defense Systems Executive Director Joe Abbate. "The most immediate beneficiary of this motor test will be the Raytheon NetFires PAM."

The controllable thrust motor supports longer range, shorter time-to-target, multi-mission capability and other benefits.

FMI: www.aerojet.com